FAQ’s

A digital sound recorder with either laptop/computer access or a SmartPhone with OutSec’s free App, available for both Android and iOS, is all that is needed!

OutSec has a global reach of transcriptionists available, with only those of superior standard, chosen to join the team. Client requirements are, naturally, to be ‘similar or better than existing staff’. With dedicated OutSec transcriptionists, working in a peaceful environment with no interruptions or distractions, client expectations are often exceeded and quality is assured throughout the service.

For digital audio files we can accept the following: wav, dss, wma, mp3, mp4, dvf, ds2, amr, dct, 3gp, m4a, m4v, wmv, mts, mov, opus, docm, xlsm, and srt.

We can also facilitate uploading templates and/or documents alongside your sound files in the following formats: pdf, rtf, doc, docm, ppt, pptx, xls, dot, xcl, xml, docx, and xlxs.

Please note in order to upload a template and/or document with your audio file, the two files must be named EXACTLY the same. If you have any difficulties, please speak to your departmental Senior Manager.

For digital audio files we can accept the following: wav, dss, wma, mp3, mp4, dvf, ds2, amr, dct, 3gp, m4a, m4v, wmv, mts, mov, opus, docm, xlsm, and srt.

We can also facilitate uploading templates and/or documents alongside your sound files in the following formats: pdf, rtf, doc, docm, ppt, pptx, xls, dot, xcl, xml, docx, and xlxs.

Please note in order to upload a template and/or document with your audio file, the two files must be named EXACTLY the same. If you have any difficulties, please speak to your departmental Senior Manager.

Yes, we work with the majority of case management systems and have typists familiar with their work. For further information call Head Office on 020 7112 7527 and ask for the appropriate departmental Senior Manager.

Any smartphone can be turned into a digital recorder by downloading the OutSec Connect App from the appropriate store, and no additional software is required. Alternatively a laptop or computer, combined with traditional digital dictation equipment can be used by accessing OutSec FileManager on a web browser.

A question we are asked many times! It is a combination of elements that distinguish OutSec from its competitors.  Our passion for excellence and eye for detail, alongside financial investment in the very best technology, ensure we provide a first-class service. 

Our close working relationship with our clients ensure the OutSec experience is polite, professional and pleasant. Our client care programme assures a real relationship is developed between client and company. OutSec becomes a natural partner to your existing office

OutSec has no minimum charge. There are no contracts, no fees and no minimum monthly charges. OutSec charges solely on the length of dictation.  A true pay-as-you-go service with complete flexibility.

As an example a recorded 10 minutes of dictation would be charged at £1.30 per minute equating to £13+VAT. Check out our QuickQuote. 

We offer a strictly 30 day settlement period following invoicing at the start of the month. Payment can be made via BACs or GoCardless our direct debit associate, being the easiest for both parties. Alternatively PayPal or credit card via the OutSec FileManager platform is an option.

An automatically generated email notification is generated as soon as dictation arrives on the OutSec FileManager System. Once the work is completed you will receive a second automatically generated confirmation email that it is ready for collection.  Download options include: from your OutSec Connect App, from your secure password-protected area on the FileManager system or within your chosen document management system. 

Notifications can be sent to different email addresses at the same time, for example at work and home and/or your PA or secretarial assistant.

If you already have a digital recorder or smartphone then your account can be set up in less than 10 minutes. If you are using traditional dictating software you will be issued with a login name and password to your own secure password-protected area of FileManager. This area incorporates a view of all files uploaded and returned, current invoice status and a Master Account facility for larger companies who need an overview of workflow from all internal dictators. Comprehensive stats are clearly visible for management purposes. If you are using the OutSec App you can simply login first time by using an OTP retrieved from your email address that was used when the account was set up and you can start dictating immediately!

OutSec recommends training for all large corporations. Digital transcription from OutSec will become a vital part of your workflow management and it is crucial that implementation is as smooth as possible. OutSec will tailor a program to suit the way your company works and the type of work generated. This may take the form of on-site or remote learning. 

At the end you will have access to your very own transcription service!

Templates store information and are amended as required. OutSec replicates all your office in-house formatting as well as integrating with workflow and case management systems. Repetition of standard addresses, phrases, and key words is avoided by add-in programmes, custom dictionaries, postcode search systems, autotext and autocorrect all added to client templates to ensure consistency.

No. The beauty of outsourcing is that it is a facility that you use when needed. However the more you use OutSec, the better your dedicated lead and back-up transcriptionists will become at understanding your special requirements.

At month-end, fully detailed by a per-line entry for each sound file received, its length and the time taken for transcription. Settlement terms are net 30 days.

OutSec Services Ltd are 100% British and a UK registered limited company with full UK VAT status. Our typists are primarily based in the UK, although we do have a division in the States which handles the property inventory department. All typists have had a minimum of 5 years’ experience in their sector speciality before they join OutSec. Each typist is thoroughly vetted by the Management Team, have signed a Confidentiality Agreement, and been fully trained in GDPR before being allocated to a client.

OutSec’s philosophy is to ensure the moral compass of management do not have biases, are not prejudiced and are fair-minded in all aspects of the business.  We are emphatically a British company operating under British law and have been in business for 20 years and are proud of our reputation as one of the UK’s most respected companies to work for. A suitable financial compensation is paid to our typists, the reason why many of them have been with us for many years.

We do not have a physical office as that is the beauty of outsourcing and the new digital world that we live in.  Everyone works from their home but are linked via the FileManager System and use Skype, Zoom or Teams for management meetings.  The name originated in 2002 and was initially Outsourced Secretarial Services before becoming shortened to OutSec in 2004.  It does take people by surprise as it is not obvious now.  How things have changed since 2002! 

OutSec was started by Vanessa French who has had 20 years in the business.  During that time Vanessa was a finalist in both the British Female Inventor and Innovators of the Year Awards 2006 as well as the European Women of Achievement Awards in the same year.  She is also featured in Michelle Rosenberg’s book entitled ‘Inspiring Women’ alongside Annabel Karmel, Jane Packer & Chrissie Rucker amongst others. Her experience in the industry has ensured that the company is known for its top quality transcription along with our client dedicated OutSec App and tailored FileManager system, unique in the industry. 

All our transcriptionists are bound by a Confidentiality Agreement. Sensitive work is processed on non-networked PCs by prior arrangement.

OutSec Services Ltd complies with The Data Protection Act. Both original and completed files are automatically deleted from the FileManager system 40 days after work completion.

The FileManager system is protected by Thawte. Thawte is trusted by millions of people worldwide. An SSL certificate is issued and shown on the login page. Rigorous authentication methods and a global infrastructure to support real-time certificate look-ups ensure that you are safe when logging in to OutSec FileManager.

If you would like to see any particular policies please request email dpo@outsec.co.uk

Specific to OutSec is our Privacy Policy page.